​The NORDUnet collaboration started with the first NORDUnet Conference in 1980, and evolved into a dedicated, Nordic network during the NORDUNET programme (1986 to 1992) financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers.

At the 25 year anniversary of the NORDUnet collaboration, NORDUnet published the book Twenty-Five Years of Networking Cooperation in the Nordic Countries, detailing the first 25 years of the NORDUnet history. The book is available for online reading and download.